Changeover to ESA - They've put me in the 'back to work' group!!

[deathbycrayons]

 

I've been on long term incapacity since 2007 due to M.E. I have incredibly limited energy and even on 'good days' when I feel kind of OK, if I use too much energy or get stressed, walk too far or move too much, I get very ill for a number of days.

 

I've been changed over to ESA and placed in the work related group! I'm so upset and stressed, there's no way I can go to these interviews they're talking about me going to, I can't work! I couldn't hold down a job as I don't even know what I'm going to feel like when I wake up in the morning. My husband is my full time carer and he has to get me up every morning, dressed and washed. I can't put my own socks or shoes on, or put my seat belt on without help.

 

This stress has now just made me feel physically sick, I'm so worried! I physically cannot commit to anything such as attending interviews etc, like I said I don't know how I'm going to feel from one day to the next. Help!

[reallymadwoman]

Is there any chance you meet any of the criteria for the support group? If so, you might consider appealing, but you should be aware that the outcome might be that you get no benefit at all.

 

Re the meetings, I've heard they can be done over the phone and there's plenty of anecdotal evidence of JCP staff telling people not to bother after the first interview as they're clearly not well enough to participate. If/when you get an appointment get your husband to ring and say you're too ill to get to the jobcentre and see what they say. Don't ring yourself, it sounds better coming from your carer.

[deathbycrayons]

Thank you so much - that really helps. Thank you x

[reallymadwoman]

Unless you're absolutely sure you should be in the support group then I wouldn't appeal.

I know the extra £5 a week would make a difference for a lot of people, but against that you have to balance the difficulty of getting in to the support group in the first place as well as the possibility of losing all your benefit. And you'd probably still have to do the interview thing anyway whilst you wait for the appeal to go through.

[worried33]

I agree I wouldnt appeal, the gap between WRAG to support (unless on contribution time limit) is small compared to the gap between WRAG and assessment group.

 

However after seeing how my health has declined with what I have had to do in the past month I can fully understand why people are hating the WRAG with its interviews.

[Nystagmite]

WRAG is about getting you ready to go back to work. You won't be forced to apply for jobs.

[Life-Goes-On]

WRAG is about getting you ready to go back to work. You won't be forced to apply for jobs.

 

The law now says people in WRAG can be put into work experience for a unlimited amount of time.

 

So far not heard anyone having this done, but who knows what the future holds?

[reallymadwoman]

I suspect that even if DWP can find employers willing to participate in forcing the sick and disabled to work for nothing then the health and safety implications will frighten them off.

 

If they thought the reaction over JSA claimants being sanctioned for refusing to work for nothing was bad, what will happen if they try it with someone disabled?

[worried33]

WRAG is about getting you ready to go back to work. You won't be forced to apply for jobs.

 

still have to attend job centre interviews.

[worried33]

I suspect that even if DWP can find employers willing to participate in forcing the sick and disabled to work for nothing then the health and safety implications will frighten them off.

 

If they thought the reaction over JSA claimants being sanctioned for refusing to work for nothing was bad, what will happen if they try it with someone disabled?

 

I think the public reaction would actually be less for 2 prime reasons.

 

1 - the sick and disabled are less likely to protest due to their health, and especially when the papers and public could turn on them saying if they well enough to protest they well enough to work.

2 - some people have the mindset that its wrong to say you cant work, everyone can work so they have more sympathy with JSA claimants because they are looking for work.

 

I am far from convinced the press will defend claimants if they try it although the daily mail which is generally anti welfare did allow a blog which attacked the law change.

[Nystagmite]

still have to attend job centre interviews.

 

You don't need to do anything other than attend, do you?

[Farbramble]

You don't need to do anything other than attend, do you?

 

How often does an ESA claimant have to attend the JCP?

[worried33]

You don't need to do anything other than attend, do you?

 

according to people on here no but for some people just attending will be hard work. But I think legislation does allow them to make you do more activity in future.

[45002]

Hello deathbycrayons

 

Have you contacted ME Association to see if they can advise or help you at all

 

http://www.meassociation.org.uk/

[deathbycrayons]

I'm still really worrying about this. I have to go for an interview at the job centre in June and I'm really worried about it. There is no way I can tell or not whether I'll be well enough to attend until the morning of the interview. The stress of this is making my ME worse. I just don't know what to do. I know people with M.E who have failed the medical and been forced to attend fortnightly group meetings and create CV's and stuff, I can't do that, I just can't!

[down'n'out]

Hi,

 

Can you get a [sick]Note from your doctor to cover the period when you should attend the interview? If you get a [sick]note, you can phone the jobcentre and tell them you are too ill to attend, and request the interview over the phone.

[Dick Emery]

Hi,

 

Can you get a [sick]Note from your doctor to cover the period when you should attend the interview? If you get a [sick]note, you can phone the jobcentre and tell them you are too ill to attend, and request the interview over the phone.

 

Seems like the best way to me. I would still contact the ME association and maybe Citizens Advice. It may be that you need to appeal the decision but be aware you need to get it in within one month of the decision or it becomes extremely difficult to appeal! From your description of your condition I don't see why you would not win? Along with medical evidence etc from your GP and if they can see you that you are ill (you may have to have someone physically help you to the tribunal).

[Slatted]

I would recommend having a look at the Benefits and Work website also, they have a lot of very good information as to how to approach appeals. I am having to do one for my husband, as his appointee...so have also purchased their guides (about £10 for the ESA ones) but they do have a lot of info for free.

[45002]

but they do have a lot of info for free.

 

Yes on this website

[Slatted]

...And also on theirs. They specialise in the ESA and DLA applications and appeals and are also known to post on these forums here so saying complementary to each other.

 

They have up to date information on how to structure appeals.

 

I am having to appeal for my disabled husband who I know could not cope with being in WRAG, it is not about the money but the strain of having to attend when THEY want or face sanctions etc

[abc123def]

I'm still really worrying about this. I have to go for an interview at the job centre in June and I'm really worried about it. There is no way I can tell or not whether I'll be well enough to attend until the morning of the interview. The stress of this is making my ME worse. I just don't know what to do. I know people with M.E who have failed the medical and been forced to attend fortnightly group meetings and create CV's and stuff, I can't do that, I just can't!

 

Having done lots of DBT work, often as a matter of will we can change our thinking. Instead of saying "I just can't" think "I am going to do my best and see if I can", do that every time that negative thought comes in to your head. We can surprise ourselves with our inner strength if we really try.

 

The reason I would encourage you to try your best to get there is many people I know have found the appointments helpful. They have found there is no pressure at all to take them up on any advice at all, some have not needed to attend more than one appointment as their alloted person didn't deem them to be well enough. None of the people I know who have been to WRAG appointments have felt hassled or stressed afterwards. If you went and it was a possitive experience, you would have made a great achievement in getting there and will no longer have that worry hanging over you, you will KNOW their is nothing to worry about. However if you decide now you can't/won't go and try to find ways around it, that only postpones the next appointment as they send you more appointments and more dates and you will get yourself more upset and distressed as you wait and fight the inevitable. How about, deciding now to try your best to get there, just so you can realise that it is ok, there is no pressure and you can manage?

[deathbycrayons]

What kind of job can someone with M.E. and mental illness borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety) meaning that they are completely unreliable and have no idea if they'll be able to get out of bed in the morning, do?

 

Someone who has panic attacks at the drop of a hat, is constantly exhausted and in pain, could possibly turn violent and collapse at any given moment? Because apparently the DWP think that someone with these disabilities is capable of working!

 

Also, I'm a full time mum of a disabled little boy who has cerebral palsy and autism, I am constantly exhausted and get stressed even just phoning someone or opening a letter. Every time I hear the phone I panic. My concentration is ZERO. I'll be honest, I can't read without having to read it over and over again, it just won't go in. I have a certain type of dyslexia that means I can't process information properly.

 

I just don't understand how they can actually think someone with my problems can work.

 

When am I supposed to expect this "medical"? I have my interview at the job centre in a couple of weeks, will it be soon after that? Or will I not have to have a medical?

[Nystagmite]

Do you claim DLA for your son? Just wondering if you're better off claiming carers allowance.

[deathbycrayons]

Yes, he gets middle rate care and my husband gets carers allowance for him.

[deathbycrayons]

I also get DLA - lower rate care and lower rate mobility.